Wednesday, May 17, 2017

2613. Cuba Issues its First Postage Stamp against Homophobia

Cuba's efforts to visualize and safeguard the struggle for respect for free and responsible sexual orientation and gender identity were ratified with the issue of the first postage stamp against homophobia and transphobia in this city.

The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the National Association of Cuban Writers and Artists (UNEAC by its Spanish acronym) and was attended by its president, Miguel Barnet; Mariela Castro, director of the National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX by its Spanish acronym), and Rolando Núñez, president of UNEAC Association of Performing Arts.

When referring to the stamp, with the image of Vilma Espín, eternal president of the Federation of Cuban Women, Raúl Lorenzo, president of the Cuban Philatelic Federation, said that this action enhances the country's history and its efforts for full development of all people.

On awareness of respect for sexual diversity, Barnet pointed out the need to eliminate stereotypes and prejudices that curb the well-being of men and women.

The essayist and ethnologist alluded to difficult periods in Cuba for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, and emphasized that "fortunately those obtuse and retrograde minds got in the way.”

Manuel Vázquez, CENESEX deputy director, recalled the cultural gala scheduled for today and the traditional conga for Saturday, as part of the 10th Cuban Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.

This tenth edition of the event focuses on preventing bullying or homophobic harassment in schools, a phenomenon that is manifested in offensive comments, blows, isolation and other discriminatory actions against the victims.